Designation: D 1248 04

Standard Specication for

Polyethylene Plastics Extrusion Materials for Wire and Cable1

This standard is issued under the xed designation D 1248; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* 1.1 This specication provides for the identication of polyethylene plastics extrusion materials for wire and cable in such a manner that the seller and the purchaser can agree on the acceptability of different commercial lots or shipments. The tests involved in this specication are intended to provide information for identifying materials according to the types, classes, categories, and grades covered. It is not the function of this specication to provide specic engineering data for design purposes. 1.2 This specication does not allow for the use of recycled plastics (see Note 3). 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. 1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 12, of this specication: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1No ISO equivalent. NOTE 2This standard has undergone major revision from the reapproval of 1989 and now covers only polyethylene for wire and cable applications. For information regarding molding and extrusion materials, see Specication D 4976. For information regarding plastic pipe materials, see Specication D 3350. NOTE 3See Guide D 5033 for information and denitions related to recycled plastics.

2. Referenced Documents 2.1 ASTM Standards: 2

1 This specication is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic Materials. Current edition approved March 1, 2004. Published April 2004. Originally approved in 1952. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D 1248 - 02. 2 For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on the ASTM website.

D 150 Test Methods for A-C Loss Characteristics and Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulation D 257 Test Methods for D-C Resistance or Conductance of Insulating Materials D 618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing D 638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics D 746 Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastics and Elastomers by Impact D 792 Test Methods for Specic Gravity (Relative Density) and Density of Plastics by Displacement D 1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer D 1505 Test Method for Density of Plastics by the DensityGradient Technique D 1531 Test Method for Relative Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) and Dissipation Factor by Fluid Displacement Procedure D 1603 Test Method for Carbon Black in Olen Plastics D 1693 Test Method for Environmental Stress-Cracking of Ethylene Plastics D 1898 Practice for Sampling of Plastics D 2565 Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Outdoor Applications D 2633 Test Methods for Thermoplastic Insulations and Jackets for Wire and Cable D 2839 Test Method for Use of a Melt Index Strand for Determining Density of Polyethylene D 2951 Test Method for Resistance of Types III and IV Polyethylene Plastics to Thermal Stress-Cracking D 3182 Practice for Rubber-Materials, Equipment, and Procedures for Mixing Standard Compounds and Preparing Standard Vulcanized Sheets D 3349 Test Method for Absorption Coefficient of Ethylene Polymer Pigmented with Carbon Black D 3350 Specication for Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and Fittings Materials D 3636 Practice for Sampling and Judging Quality of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials D 3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics D 4329 Practice for Fluorescent UV Exposure of Plastics

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

D 1248 04
D 4703 Practice for Compression Molding Thermoplastic Materials into Test Specimens, Plaques, or Sheets D 4976 Specication for Polyethylene Plastics Molding and Extrusion Materials D 5033 Guide for the Development of ASTM Standards Relating to Recycling and Use of Recycled Plastics E 1131 Test Method for Compositional Analysis by Thermogravimetry G 151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices That Use Laboratory Light Sources G 153 Practice for Operating Enclosed Carbon-Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials G 154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials G 155 Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials 2.2 Federal Specication:3 L-P-390 Plastic, Molding, and Extrusion Materials, Polyethylene and Copolymers (Low, Medium, and High Density) 3. Terminology 3.1 Denitions of Terms Specic to This Standard: 3.1.1 polyethylene plastics, nplastics or resins prepared by the polymerization of no less than 50 % ethylene and no less than 95 weight % of total olens. 3.2 Historical usage and user group conventions have resulted in inconsistent terminology used to categorize and describe polyethylene resins and compounds. The following terminology is in use in ASTM specications pertaining to polyethylene: 3.2.1 Specication D 1248: 3.2.1.1 Type (0, I, II, III, IV) = density ranges (same, respectively, as Class in Specication D 4976). 3.2.1.2 Class (A, B, C, D) = composition and use. 3.2.1.3 Category (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) = melt index ranges (same as Grade in Specication D 4976). 3.2.1.4 Grade (E, J, D, or W followed by one or two digits) = specic requirements from tables. 3.2.2 Specication D 3350: 3.2.2.1 Type (I, II, III) = density ranges (same as Types I, II, and III in Specication D 1248 and Classes 1, 2, and 3 in Specication D 4976). 3.2.2.2 Class = a line callout system consisting of PE followed by six cell numbers from Table 1 plus a letter (A, B, C, D, E) denoting color and UV stabilizer. 3.2.2.3 Grade = simplied line callout system using PE followed by density and slow crack growth cell numbers from Table 1. 3.2.3 Specication D 4976: 3.2.3.1 Group (1, 2) = branched or linear polyethylene. 3.2.3.2 Class (5, 1, 2, 3, 4) = density ranges (same, respectively, as Type in Specication D 1248). 3.2.3.3 Grade (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) = melt index ranges (same as Category in Specication D 1248). 4. Classication 4.1 This specication recognizes that polyethylene plastics are identied primarily on the basis of two characteristics, namely, density and ow rate (previously identied as melt index). The former is the criterion for assignment as to type, the latter for designation as to category. Other attributes important to the user for certain applications are covered by three general classes and by specifying in greater detail, by grades, a minimum number of key characteristics covered too broadly or not at all by the type, class, and category designations. 4.1.1 Types: 4.1.1.1 This specication provides for the identication of ve types of polyethylene plastics extrusion materials for wire and cable by density in accordance with 10.1 and 12.1.1 and the requirements prescribed in Table 1 and Note 4, Note 5, and Note 10.
NOTE 4It is recognized that some high-density polyethylene plastics of very high molecular weight may have densities slightly less than 0.960 yet in all other respects they are characteristic of Type IV materials. Similarly, there are other polyethylene plastics of very high molecular weight having densities slightly less than 0.941 which in all other respects are more characteristic of Type III than of Type II materials. NOTE 5While the original Type III now has been divided into two ranges of density (Types III and IV), both are still described by the term high density.

4.1.1.2 Material supplied under these types shall be of such nominal density, within the ranges given, as agreed upon between the manufacturer and the purchaser subject to the tolerances specied in 4.1.1.3 (Note 10). 4.1.1.3 In view of production, sampling, and testing variables, a commercial lot or shipment for which a nominal density has been agreed upon between the seller and the purchaser shall be considered as conforming and commercially acceptable when the density value found on a sample from the lot or shipment falls within the tolerance range of 60.004 of the nominal value. 4.1.1.4 If the nominal value is unknown or unspecied, classication shall be based on the tested value without tolerance consideration. 4.1.2 ClassesEach of the ve types is subdivided into four classes according to composition and use as follows: 4.1.2.1 Class ANatural color only, without any or with such antioxidant or other additives in such proportions as agreed upon between the seller and the purchaser. 4.1.2.2 Class BColors including white and black, without any or with such antioxidant or other additives in such proportions as agreed upon between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
TABLE 1 Classication of Polyethylene Plastics Extrusion Materials for Wire and Cable According to Type
Type 0 I II III IV
A

Nominal Density,A g/cm3 <0.910 0.910 to 0.925 >0.925 to 0.940 >0.940 to 0.960 >0.960

3 Available from DODSSP, Bldg. 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098.

Uncolored, unlled material (see Note 10).

D 1248 04
4.1.2.3 Class CBlack (weather-resistant), containing not less than 2 % carbon black of a kind and particle size (Note 6), dispersed by such means and to such degree, all as may be agreed upon between the seller and the purchaser; without any or with such antioxidant or other additives in such proportions as agreed upon between the seller and the purchaser.
NOTE 6Carbon black 35 mm or less in average particle diameter is used as required in black electrical and jacketing materials (Grades E and J) to impart maximum weather resistance.

4.1.4.2 Instead of such selection, additional requirements specic to the application may be specied by the purchaser with the agreement of the seller. 5. Basis of Purchase 5.1 The purchase order or inquiry for these materials shall state the specication number, type, class, category, and, if needed, the appropriate grade, for example, D1248IA5-E4. 5.2 Further denition may be agreed upon between the seller and the purchaser as follows: 5.2.1 Nominal density.
NOTE 10For Class B, Class C, and Class D material, the nominal density of the base resin will be identied by the manufacturer upon request.

4.1.2.4 Class DColored (UV resistant), including black and white, with antioxidant and UV stabilizers to allow electrical insulation and jackets to meet the requirements outlined in 12.1.12. (WarningThe expected service lifetime of Class D materials is very dependent upon the specic material formulation including selected colorants. Contact your supplier for additional information regarding this issue.) 4.1.3 Categories: 4.1.3.1 The four classes of each type are divided into ve categories on the basis of broad ranges of ow rate in accordance with the requirements prescribed in Table 2.
NOTE 7Some Type II and Type III polyethylene plastics of very high molecular weight cannot be categorized by ow rate. Solution viscosity is recommended as a means of distinguishing such materials.

4.1.3.2 Material supplied under these categories shall be of such nominal ow rate, within the ranges given, as agreed upon between the seller and the purchaser subject to the tolerances specied in 4.1.3.3. 4.1.3.3 In view of production, sampling, and testing variables, a commercial lot or shipment for which a nominal ow rate has been agreed upon between the seller and the purchaser shall be considered as conforming and commercially acceptable when the ow rate value found on a sample from the lot or shipment falls within the tolerance range of 620 % of the nominal ow rate. 4.1.3.4 If the nominal value is unknown or unspecied, classication shall be based on the tested value without tolerance consideration. 4.1.4 Grades: 4.1.4.1 If further denition is necessary, one of the grades given in Tables 3-5 shall be selected.
NOTE 8Tables 4 and 5, are included to correspond with the grades specied in Federal Specication L-P-390. NOTE 9The grade shall be associated with the appropriate type, class, and category designations; for example, IA5-E4 or IC5-J3 as required. Other grades may be added as necessary by revision of this specication in established manner. Also, it is anticipated that additional requirements may be added under a given grade designation by future revision to provide more meaningful characterization of the material covered by such designation.
TABLE 2 Classication of Polyethylene Plastics Extrusion Materials for Wire and Cable According to Category
Category 1 2 3 4 5 Nominal Flow Rate, g/10 min (190C, 2.16 kg load) >25 >10 to 25 >1.0 to 10 >0.4 to 1.0 0.4 max

5.2.2 Nominal ow rate. 5.2.3 Antioxidant(s) or Other Additive(s) and Proportions: 5.2.3.1 Class AAs stated in 4.1.2.1, 5.2.3.2 Class BAs stated in 4.1.2.2, 5.2.3.3 Class CAs stated in 4.1.2.3, and 5.2.3.4 Class DAs stated in 4.1.2.4. 5.2.4 Contamination level (see 6.2). 5.2.5 Other supplementary denition, unless grade is sufficient and is identied (see 4.1.4.1 and 4.1.4.2). 5.3 Inspection (see 13.1). 6. Materials and Manufacture 6.1 The extrusion material for wire and cable shall be polyethylene plastic in the form of powder, granules, or pellets. 6.2 The extrusion materials for wire and cable shall be as uniform in composition and size and as free of contamination as can be achieved by good manufacturing practice. If necessary, level of contamination may be agreed upon between the seller and the purchaser. 6.3 Unless controlled by requirements specied elsewhere (see 4.1.4.1 and 4.1.4.2), the color and translucence of extruded pieces formed under conditions recommended by the manufacturer of the material, shall be comparable within commercial match tolerances to the color and translucence of standard molded or extruded samples of the same thickness supplied in advance by the manufacturer of the material. 7. Physical Requirements 7.1 Test specimens of the material prepared as specied in 10.1, and tested in accordance with 12.1, shall conform to the requirements prescribed by the material designation for type in Table 1, for class in 4.1.2, for category in Table 2, and for grade in Tables 3-5. 8. Sampling 8.1 A batch or lot shall be considered as a unit of manufacture and may consist of a blend of two or more production runs of material. 8.2 Unless otherwise agreed between the seller and the purchaser, the material shall be sampled in accordance with the procedure described in Practice D 1898. Adequate statistical sampling prior to packaging shall be considered an acceptable alternative.
3

D 1248 04
TABLE 3 Detail Requirements for Molded Test Specimens
GradeA Property and Unit E1 Tensile stress, min:B MPa [psi] Elongation, min, %B Brittleness temperature, max, C Environmental stress-crack resistance,C,D min, f20 h Thermal stress-crack resistance, h without cracking, min Dissipation factor,E max: Class A Before milling After milling Class B Class C Dielectric constantE max increase over nominalF: Class A Class B Class C Volume resistivity, min, Vcm: Classes A, B Water immersion stability 8 [1200] 300 50 ... ... E2 10 [1500] 400 60 ... ... E3 10 [1500] 400 60 ... ... E4 12 [1800] 500 75 48 ... E5 12 [1800] 500 75 48 ... E6 17 [2400] 400 45 ... ... E7 17 [2400] 400 75 ... ... E8 19 [2800] 400 75 48 96 E9 19 [2800] 400 75 48 96 E10 22 [3200] 400 75 48 168

0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.01 0.05 0.12 0.52 1015

G

0.0002 0.0003 0.0005 0.005 0.01 0.04 0.30 1015

G

0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.01 0.05 0.12 0.52 1015

G

0.0002 0.0003 0.0005 0.005 0.01 0.04 0.30 1015

G

0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.01 0.05 0.12 0.52 1015

G

0.0002 0.0003 0.0005 0.005 0.01 0.04 0.30 1015

G

0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.01 0.05 0.12 0.50 1015

G

0.0002 0.0003 0.0005 0.005 0.01 0.04 0.30 1015

G

0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.01 0.05 0.12 0.50 1015

G

0.0002 0.0003 0.0005 0.005 0.01 0.04 0.30 1015

G

E11 Tensile strength, min: MPa [psi] Elongation, min, % Brittleness temperature, max, C Environmental stress-crack resistance,C,D min, f20 h Thermal stress-crack resistance, h without cracking, min Dissipation factor,E max: Class A Before milling After milling Class B Class C Dielectric constantE max increase over nominalF: Class A Class B Class C Volume resistivity, min, Vcm: Classes A, B Water immersion stability
A

J1 10 [1500] 400 60 ... ...

J3 12 [1800] 500 75 24 ...

J4 19 [2800] 400 75 24 ...

J5 22 [3200] 400 75 24 ...

22 [3200] 400 75 48 168

0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.01

. . . .

. . . .

. . . .

... ... ... 0.01

... ... ... 0.01

. . . . .

. . . . .

. . . . .

0.05 0.12 0.50 1015

G

... ... ... ... ...

... ... 0.52 ... ...

... ... 0.52 ... ...

... ... ... ... ...

The letters associated with these grades identify areas of potential applicability as indicated below: E = Electrical Insulation (in some instances these materials also may serve as jacketing). J = Jacketing (in some instances these materials also may serve as primary insulation). B At break. C f20 is the time required for failure of 20 % of the samples tested in accordance with Test Method D 1693 as further directed by 12.1.6.1-12.1.6.4 of this specication. D Requirements for environmental stress-crack resistance apply only to Class B, Class C, and Class D compounds unless otherwise specied (see 5.2.5). E At any frequency from 1 kHz through 1 MHz (see also 12.1.8.1-12.1.8.3). F Dielectric constant is a function of density; hence, the nominal value will be different for each type. Based on published information, the nominal values for the ve types covered by this specication are as follows: Type 0-2.28, Type I-2.28, Type II-2.31, Types III and IV-2.35 (Lanza, V. L., and Herrmann, D. B., Journal of Polymer Science, JPSCA, Vol 28, 1958, p. 622). To illustrate the manner in which the maximum limit for the dielectric constant of a particular, grade is determined, assume that a Type I, Class A material is to be supplied under Grade E2, then its maximum limit for dielectric constant will be 2.28 + 0.01 = 2.29. G Dissipation factor and dielectric constant must not exceed the limits specied above after immersion of the test specimens in water as described in 10.1.11. However, because this test is lengthy, it need not be performed on every lot of material. Rather, the material is to be checked initially for compliance with this requirement and, after that, as often as necessary to assure continued compliance. This requirement is not applicable to weather resistant (Class C and Class D) compounds (see Note 12).

9. Testing 9.1 The requirements identied by the material designation and otherwise specied in the purchase order (see 5.1 and 5.2) shall be veried by tests made in accordance with the directions given in 12.1. For routine inspection, only those tests

necessary to identify the material to the satisfaction of the purchaser shall be required. One sample shall be sufficient for testing each batch or lot provided that the average values for all of the tests made on that batch or lot comply with the specied requirements.

D 1248 04
TABLE 4 Special GradesDielectricNatural and Colors
Very Low Density, Specication D 1248, Type 0 Grade Tensile Stress, min:B MPa [psi] Elongation, min, %B Brittleness temperature, max, C Dielectric constant, max, 1 MHz Dissipation factor, max, 1 MHz Environmental stress crack resistance, min: f20h (100 % Igepal) f20h (10 % Igepal) Thermal stress crack resistance, min, f45h Milling stability . After milling, dissipation factor, max L-P-390, type, class, grade
A

Low Density, Specication D 1248, Type I Natural D1 9.7 [1400] 400 60 2.35 0.0005 Colors D2 9.7 [1400] 400 55 2.35 0.0005 Natural D3 9.7 [1400] 400 60 2.35 0.0005 Colors D4 9.7 [1400] 400 55 2.35 0.0005

Medium Density, Specication D 1248, Type II Natural D5 12.4 [1800] 400 60 2.35 0.0005 Colors D6 12.4 [1800] 400 55 2.35 0.0005

High Density,A Specication D 1248, Types III & IV

D0 6.9 1000 500 60 2.28 0.0005

D7 19.3 [2800] 400 55 2.38 0.0005

D8 19.3 [2800] 400 ... 2.38 0.0005

D9 24.1 [3500] 400 55 2.38 0.0005

D10 24.1 [3500] 400 ... 2.38 0.0005

D11 27.6 [4000] 400 ... 2.38 0.0005

... >24 ... ..

... ... ... 0.0005

... ... ... 0.0005

24 ... ... 0.0005

24 ... ... 0.0005

... ... ... 0.0005

... ... ... 0.0005

... ... 96 0.0005

... ... ... 0.0005

... ... 96 0.0005

... ... ... 0.0005

... ... ... 0.0005

IIL1

IIL2

IIL3

IIL4

IIM1

IIM2

IIH1

IIH2

IIH3

IIH4

IIH5

Grades D7 through D11 apply to both natural and colors, including black. B At break.

TABLE 5 Special GradesWeather ResistantBlack

Very Low Density, Specication D 1248, Type 0 Grade Tensile Stress, min:A MPa [psi] Elongation, min, %A Brittleness temperature, max, C Dielectric constant, max, 1 MHz Dissipation factor, max, 1 MHz Environmental stress crack resistance, min: f20h (100 % Igepal) f20h (10 % Igepal) Thermal stress crack resistance, min, f45h Milling stability After milling, dissipation factor, max Carbon content, range, % Absorption coefficient, min L-P-390, type, class, grade
A

Low Density, Specication D 1248, Type 1

Medium Density, Specication D 1248, Type II W4 9.7 [1400] 400 50 2.80 0.01 W5 12.4 [1800] 400 50 2.50 0.003 W6 12.4 [1800] 400 50 2.75 0.007 W7 12.4 [1800] 400 50 2.80 0.01

High Density, Specication D 1248, Types III & IV W8 19.3 [2800] 400 55 2.75 0.005 W9 24.1 [3500] 400 55 2.75 0.007

W0 6.9 [1000] 500 60 2.28 0.0005

W1 9.7 [1400] 400 50 2.50 0.003

W2 9.7 [1400] 400 50 2.75 0.007

W3 9.7 [1400] 400 50 2.75 0.007

>24

... ... ...

... ... ...

24 ... ...

... 24 ...

... ... ...

... ... ...

... ... ...

... ... 96

... ... 96

0.003 2.0-3.0 320 0.4-0.6 ... IIIL1

0.007 2.0-3.0 320 IIIL2

0.007 2.0-3.0 320 IIIL3

0.01 2.0-3.0 320 IIIL4

0.003 0.4-0.6 ... IIIM1

0.007 2.0-3.0 320 IIIM2

0.01 2.0-3.0 320 IIIM3

0.005 2.0-3.0 320 IIIH1

0.007 2.0-3.0 320 IIIH2

At break.

10. Specimen Preparation 10.1 Unless otherwise specied in 12.1, the test specimens shall be molded in accordance with Procedure C as found in Annex A1 of Practice D 4703. 11. Conditioning 11.1 ConditioningOnce specimens are molded, they shall be moved to a standard laboratory atmosphere or a controlled laboratory atmosphere. For unlled polyethylene plastics the controlled laboratory atmosphere shall be 23 6 2C. Test specimens, 7 mm or under in thickness, shall be conditioned for a minimum of 40 h immediately prior to testing. Test specimens over 7 mm in thickness shall be conditioned for 88 h. For lled and reinforced polyethylene plastics or polyethyl5

ene plastic blends, which contain a hydrophilic co-monomer, pigment, or modier the specimens shall be conditioned in a standard laboratory atmosphere of 23 6 2C and 50 6 5 % relative humidity (see Practice D 618, Procedure A). For all materials to be conditioned for electrical testing, conditioning shall comply with the requirements of the standard test methods for electrical testing. In all cases the laboratory shall report both the temperature and humidity conditions during the conditioning period. 11.2 Test ConditionsUnlled polyethylene plastics shall be tested in a controlled laboratory atmosphere of 23 6 2C. For lled and reinforced polyethylene plastics and polyethylene plastic blends, which contain a hydrophilic co-monomer, pigment, or modier the specimens shall be tested in a standard

D 1248 04
laboratory atmosphere of 23 6 2C and 50 6 5 % relative humidity. For all materials to be tested for electrical properties, the laboratory shall comply with the requirements of the standard test methods for electrical testing. In all cases the laboratory shall report both the temperature and humidity conditions during testing. 11.3 DisputeIn cases of dispute, conditioning and testing shall be conducted in accordance with Procedure A of Practice D 618. 12. Test Methods 12.1 Determine the properties enumerated in this specication in accordance with the following test methods: 12.1.1 DensityTest Method D 1505 or alternative methods of suitable accuracy, such as Test Method D 2839 or Methods A or B of Test Methods D 792. Make duplicate determinations using two separate portions of the same molding or from two moldings. The molded specimen thickness shall be 1.9 6 0.2 mm [0.075 6 0.008 in.]. Condition only as specied in 11.1 and any departure from that conditioning shall be reported. 12.1.2 Flow RateTest Method D 1238, using Condition 190/2.16 unless otherwise directed (Note 11). Make duplicate determinations on the material in the form of powder, granules, or pellets. No conditioning is required.
NOTE 11Although the ow rate of polyethylene plastics may be measured under any of the conditions listed for it in Test Method D 1238, only measurements made at Condition 190/2.16 (190C, 2.16 kg load) may be identied as melt index. This method of test serves to indicate the degree of uniformity of the ow rate of the polymer of a single manufacturer as made by an individual process and in this case may be indicative of the degree of uniformity of other properties. However, uniformity of ow rate among various polymers of various manufacturers as made by various processes does not, in the absence of other tests, indicate uniformity of other properties and vice versa. The melt viscosity of polyethylene plastics, in common with that of most high polymers, is non-Newtonian, that is, dependent on the rate of shear. The degree of departure from Newtonian behavior depends on the nature and molecular constitution of the individual sample. Additional characterization of the sample can be obtained if other conditions are used. Especially recommended as an adjunct to Condition 190/2.16 is Condition 190/10.0.

12.1.3 Carbon Black ContentTest Method D 1603 or E 1131. If Test Method D 1603 is used, it must be known that no inorganic pigments or llers are present in the material. Make duplicate determinations from a sample of the material in the form of powder, granules, or pellets.
NOTE 12If it is known or suspected that the material contains moisture, the sample should be dried prior to being tested, but otherwise no conditioning is required.

12.1.4 Tensile Stress at Break and Elongation at Break Test Method D 638, except that speed of grip separation shall be 500 mm [20 in.]/min for Types 0 and I and 50 mm [2 in.]/min for Types II, III, and IV. Specimens shall conform to the dimensions given for Type IV in Test Method D 638 with their thickness to be 1.9 6 0.2 mm [0.075 6 0.008 in.]. Specimens may be either die cut or machined to the specied dimensions. Bench mark separation shall be 25.40 6 0.38 mm [1.000 6 0.015 in.] and initial grip separation shall be 62.5 6 5 mm [2.5 6 0.2 in.]. Percentage elongation at break shall
6

include the cold-drawing distance. Test results for specimens which break outside the gage-marks after extensive cold drawing need not be discarded unless the break occurs between the contact surfaces of a grip. 12.1.5 Brittleness TemperatureProcedure A of Test Method D 746. 12.1.6 Environmental Stress-Crack Resistance TestTest Method D 1693, with the following provisions: 12.1.6.1 Type 0 materials shall be tested under Condition B, as dened in Table 1 of Test Method D 1693. 12.1.6.2 Type I materials shall be tested under Condition A, as dened in Table 1 of Test Method D 1693. 12.1.6.3 Unless otherwise specied, test materials of Types II, III, and IV under Condition B, as dened in Table 1 of Test Method D 1693. 12.1.6.4 Test Grades E4, E5, E8, E9, E10, E11, and W3 in undiluted Igepal CO-630.4 Test Grades J3, J4, J5, and W4 in a solution of 10 weight % Igepal CO-630 in water. 12.1.7 Thermal Stress-Crack Resistance of Types III and IV PolyethylenesTest Method D 2951. 12.1.8 Dissipation Factor and Dielectric ConstantTest Method D 1531 or Test Method D 150, with the former to be the referee method. The following additional instructions and the precautions of Note 12 shall be observed: 12.1.8.1 Milling StabilityThis procedure is intended for application to materials to be used for electrical insulation. For such materials, the milling procedure described in 12.1.8.2 may be performed as a preconditioning step prior to the determination of dissipation factor and dielectric constant as provided in 12.1.8. Its purpose is to establish that a suitable antioxidant is present in adequate quantity. After being milled as prescribed, the material shall meet the dielectric requirements prescribed in Table 3. 12.1.8.2 Process approximately 400 g of material for 3 h 6 5 min on a two-roll laboratory mill meeting the requirements prescribed in Practice D 3182 at a temperature of 160 6 5C with the distance between the rolls so adjusted that the charge maintains a uniform rolling bank. Any other size two-roll laboratory mill may be used provided the charge is adequate to maintain a uniform rolling bank on the rolls and to furnish sufficient material for test specimens. 12.1.8.3 Due to the time-consuming nature of this preconditioning procedure, the frequency with which it is applied shall be established by sound statistical quality control practices by the individual manufacturer. However, the specied electrical tests shall be performed on every batch or run, using the normal conditioning procedure (11.1) plus the precautions of Note 12. 12.1.9 Water Immersion StabilityImmerse the test specimen in distilled water at 23 6 2C for 14 days after which remove, wipe dry, and immediately test for dissipation factor and dielectric constant in accordance with 12.1.8. 12.1.10 Volume ResistivityTest Methods D 257, using the electrodes shown in Fig. 4 (Flat Specimen for Measuring

4 This method is based on the use of Igepal CO-630, a trademark for a nonylphenoxy poly(ethyleneoxy)ethanol, which may be obtained from RhonePoulenc CN7500, Prospect Plains Road, Cranbury, NJ 08512-7500.

D 1248 04
Volume and Surface Resistances or Conductances) or Fig. 5 (Tubular Specimen for Measuring Volume and Surface Resistances or Conductances). Conditioning and test conditions shall be as specied in 11.1 and 11.2 plus the precautions of Note 13.
NOTE 13Test specimens, particularly those molded of compounds containing carbon black, should be tested immediately after conditioning and their storage under humid conditions should be avoided.

temperature maintained at the control point at 70 6 3C followed by 4 h darkness with condensation at an uninsulated black panel temperature maintained at the control point at 55 6 3C. Irradiance at the control point shall be maintained at 0.70 6 0.05 W/(m2.nm) at 340 nm when using the irradiance controlled apparatus.
NOTE 16The irradiance level in the unit that does not have irradiance control is reported to be 0.676 0.12 W/(m2.nm) at 340 nm at an operating temperature of 70C. However, the degradation rate of polyethylene has been found to be more variable than in the irradiance controlled unit and may be as little as 13 of the rate in the latter unit. However, the non-irradiance control machine can still be used for relative weatherability comparison among different materials weathered at the same time. NOTE 17It should be noted that the irradiation spectra from different sources including carbon arc, xenon arc, and UV uorescent equipment are not equivalent. Therefore, the effects of the exposures described in 12.1.12.1, 12.1.12.2, and 12.1.12.3 are not equivalent.

12.1.11 Absorption CoeffcientTest Method D 3349. 12.1.12 Weatherability for Colored Materials (Including White and Black: 12.1.12.1 Carbon ArcSee Appendix X1 for this test. 12.1.12.2 Xenon ArcThe material shall retain a minimum of 50 % of its unexposed elongation after 4000 h (Note 14) of exposure in a xenon-arc apparatus. Prepare the specimens in accordance with Test Methods D 2633 for physical tests of insulations and jackets. Perform the tests in accordance with Practices D 2565, G 151 and G 155 using lters CIRA/C and an irradiance of 0.70 W/m2/nm at 340 nm (Note 15). The exposure cycle consists of a light cycle of 10 h with 18 minutes water spray on the front surface during each 2 h period followed by a dark period of 2 h with continuous water spray on the back surface. The insulated black panel temperature is 70 6 2C with the light on and 55 6 2C with the light off. The dry bulb is adjusted to 48 6 2C during the light cycle and 55 6 2C during the dark cycle. The relative humidity requirements are 50 6 5 % during the light cycle and 95 6 5 % when the light is off.
NOTE 14The 4000 h exposure period specied cannot be extrapolated to service life under environmental conditions without data to estimate an acceleration factor for the materials exposed. A study has been initiated by an ICEA/TWCSTAC working group to determine the acceleration factors for several formulations of polyethylene wire and cable materials. NOTE 15Longer periods of exposure will be required for older xenon-arc machines operated at irradiance of 0.35 W/m2/nm at 340 nm.

13. Inspection 13.1 Inspection of the material shall be made as agreed upon by the purchaser and the seller as part of the purchase contract. 14. Retest and Rejection 14.1 If any failure occurs, the materials may be retested to establish conformity in accordance with agreement between the purchaser and the seller. 15. Packaging and Package Marking 15.1 PackagingThe material shall be packaged in standard commercial containers, so constructed as to ensure acceptance by common or other carriers for safe transportation at the lowest rate to the point of delivery, unless otherwise specied in the contract or order. 15.2 Package MarkingUnless otherwise agreed between the seller and the purchaser, shipping containers shall be marked with the name of the material, type, and quantity contained therein, as dened by the contract or order under which shipment is made and the name of the manufacturer. 15.3 All packing, packaging, and marking provisions of Practice D 3892 shall apply to this specication. 16. Keywords 16.1 polyethylene classication system; polyethylene for wire and cable; polyethylene plastics; wire and cable insulations and jackets

12.1.12.3 Fluorescent UV Condensation DeviceThe material shall retain a minimum of 50 % of its unexposed elongation after 4000 h (Note 14) of exposure in a uorescent UV condensation apparatus operated with uorescent UVA340 lamps. Prepare the specimens in accordance with Methods D 2633 for physical tests of insulations and jackets. Perform the tests in accordance with Practices G 151, G 154, and D 4329 using the following exposure conditions: 20 h exposure to UVA-340 uorescent lamps with uninsulated black panel

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QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS FOR GOVERNMENT/MILITARY PROCUREMENT These requirements apply only to Federal/Military procurement, not domestic sales or transfers. S1. Sampling for inspection and testing shall be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of Practice D 3636. S2. Selection of acceptable quality level (AQL) and of inspection level (IL) shall be made, with consideration of the specic use requirements. This is discussed in Practice D 3636. S3. In the absence of contrary requirements, the following values shall apply:
IL Defects of appearance and workmanship Defects of preparation for delivery Testing (products) Testing (polymer, unfabricated) _______________ II S-2 S-1 S-1A AQL 2.5 2.5 1.5 ...

A Samples shall be drawn from the required number of units, and pooled for preparation of molded samples for mechanical properties evaluation.

APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information) X1. CARBON-ARC APPARATUS

X1.1 The radiation from a twin enclosed carbon-arc has no similarity to solar radiation. Therefore, this type of unit is not recommended as a laboratory accelerated weathering test to qualify materials for outdoor applications. Agreement of the parties involved may allow use of this device. However, no information is available on the relation between exposure times and service life under use conditions for wire and cable. X1.2 If a twin enclosed carbon-arc apparatus must be used, the following will apply.

X1.3 The material shall retain a minimum of 50 % of its unexposed elongation after 4000 h (Note 14) of exposure in a twin enclosed carbon-arc apparatus, or a time agreed upon by the parties involved. Prepare the specimens in accordance with Test Methods D 2633 for physical tests of insulation and jackets. Perform the test in accordance with Practices G 151 and G 153 using an exposure cycle of 102 minutes light only at 63 6 3C (uninsulated black panel) and 55 6 5 % relative humidity followed by 18 min of light plus water spray on the front surface of the specimen (air temperature not controlled).

SUMMARY OF CHANGES This section identies the location of selected changes to this specication. For the convenience of the user, Committee D20 has highlighted those changes that may impact the use of this specication. This section may also include descriptions of the changes or reasons for the changes, or both. D 1248 04: (1) Added a new Section 11. (2) Deleted the existing paragraphs 11.1.1 and 11.1.2. (3) Renumbered existing Section 11 to Section 12. (4) Renumbered all subsequent sections accordingly. (5) Changed the title of paragraph 12.1.4 to Tensile Stress at Break and Elongation at Break. (6) Changed Tensile Strength to Tensile Stress and added a new footnote At Break to both Tensile Stress and Elongation in Tables Table 3, Table 4, and Table 5. D 1248 02: (1) Revised 12.1.12.3 (1) Added Note 16 and Note 17. (1) Replaced Practice D 1928 with Practice D 4703, since D 1928 has been discontinued. D 1248 00a: (1) Added 3.2. D 1248 00: (1) Added recycle statement to Scope. D 1248 98: (1) Changed to a standard for polyethylene plastics for wire and cable.

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